Using Video Games in Education

Video games are often overlooked as an educational tool for children. Educators tend to focus on the negative aspects associated with video games instead of the positive aspects that could be utilized in the classroom. By focusing on the positive aspects, educators could learn that implementing video games into a classroom might have a positive effect on children and the manner in which they learn. Video games allow children to have a more interactive way of learning and can be implemented in the classroom effortlessly. Video games are an untapped source when it comes to education and if implemented, could allow for children to learn in a new and exciting manner. The first point to consider when deciding whether or not to implement video games in the classroom is the positive and negative aspects it could have. There are many aspects that a video game can have on an individual, especially a child. Educators fail to notice that there are many positives to be seen. One positive is the ability for a video game to allow a player to achieve goals that have been placed strategically throughout the game by designers (Squire 49-50). By playing a game, the player has the ability to foster a new environment, and this ability can and should be looked at by educators in a manner in which they can manipulate a game and aid students to learn in a different manner. A second positive is the interaction, or possibility for interaction among players (Squire 50-51). This is a positive because it would allow children to interact with others not only in their classroom but also with children from other schools. Video games have been given a bad reputation due to their sometimes violent nature. However, what is often overlooked are the video games that exist which are more educational. As educators become more familiar with the options that are available, it could lead to video games being looked at much more seriously. As we have already learned, video games are able to be a positive aspect of a child’s educational experience. This is because it helps to keep their attention, which could help to improve grades and test scores if utilized appropriately. Educators ultimately need to become more willing to allow these tools to be used in the classroom and use them to their advantage. Rather than believing that video games are a bad influence for children, they should be looked at as a positive learning tool.